Apparatus for extracting gold and other metals from ores.



No. 737,533. A PATENTED AUG. 25', 1903.

E. L. VANDER NAILLEN. v APPARATUS FOR EX TRAGTING" GOLD AND OTHER METALS FROM 0 APPLIOATION IILEDv-T UN E 20, 1901.

RES] I! N0 MODEL.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

\Y/ w ev ,lul nl 6, 5%. mw 4 3 @WMM 33b mel No. 737,533. I PATENTBD AUG. 25, 1903.

A X E. L. VANDER NAILLEN. APPARATUS FOR EXTRAGTING GOLD AND OTHER MET LS FROM 0115s.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 20, 1901. N0 MODEL.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNrrED STATES- ZPatented August 25, 1901 PATENT OFFICE.

APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING GOLD AND OTHER METALS FROM ORES.

.EECIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 7 37,533, dated August 25, 1903.

Application filed June 20, 1901. Serial No. 65,324. (No model.) i

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, EDMUND L. VANDER NAILLEN, a citizen of the United States of America, residing in the city and county of San Francisco, in the State of Oalifornia,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Separating Gold or otherMetals from Ores, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of apparatus in which crushed ores, particularly tailings or slickens sand containing metal, are treated by means of solutions or gases; and the invention consists in the construction and arrangement of the device or combination of devices, as will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

The obj ect of my invention is to produce an apparatus in which the ores are constantly agitated for facilitating the chemical action upon the metallic substances which may be contained therein, and thus obtaining a greater percentageof extraction than with any known apparatus heretofore employed, and to construct an apparatus which is convenient and expeditious in its operation and cheap to manufacture.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings represents a vertical section of this improved apparatus, showing its arrangement and method of operation. Fig. 2 represents a top plan view of the apparatus, taken 011 line 1 1 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal section of an enlarged detail, showing an injector-nozzle arranged therein. Fig. 4 represents an enlarged detail view of the means for connecting the two tanks.

The same reference characters indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

In the drawings a concentrating-tank A is shown, preferably composed of two metallic cones joined together at their bases and supported perpendicularly from the floor B by means of a central block 0, properly bolted thereto and provided with an inlet in the apex of one cone at the bottom of the tank and with an outlet at the top, which constitutes one of the principal features of the invention.

A valve D is centrally supported within the concentratiug-tank at a point adjacent to the inlet above mentioned. This valveD is preferably convexo-concavein shape, which shape, however, maybe changed, if desired, for any other suitable or desired shape and answer as well the object in view. The purpose for which said valve is designed is to form a chamber. E at the lower part of the tank connected with the inlet, said 'valve serving as a closure for said chamber and also as a spreader for the material entering the chamber E through the inlet in the apex of the inverted cone forming the lower half of the coneentrating-tank. This valve D is provided with a hollow stem or shank a, preferably formed of gas-pipe, which passes centrally through the cap F, bolted or otherwise secured to a circular flange a, formed around the top of the tank and which serves as a top guide for the stem a. The lower portion of the stem a is secured to a bracket 12, integrally formed with the valve D upon its concave upper face, and has a guide 1) extending across the tank and secured to the walls thereof at a suitable place above the valve D to hold said valve in a central position. The upper portion of the stem or is screw-threaded and engages a correspondingly-threaded hole in the cap F for the purpose of raising and lowering the valve for closing or opening the chamber E when desired. The stem a is provided at its upper end outside of the tank with a hand-wl1eel G or other suitable means for operating the stem to to regulate the position of the valve D. The stem abeing hollow is also adapted to convey liquid or other matter into the tank when-desired, the purpose of which will be hereinafter more fully described. The concentratingtank is also provided with an outwardly-opening manhole 0, formed in the side of the tank below the valve 1) and communicatingwith the chamber E. Another manhole, o, is formed above the valve for giving access to the interior of the tank, either belowthe valve or above it, for the purpose of cleaning or repairing the tank. These manholes must be properly secured to render the tank water-tight, and they are preferably formed of heavy thick glass, so that the operation in the tank may be seen from the exterior. At the bottom of the tank, between the valve D and the inlet, a circular groove (1 is formed, which serves as a receptacle in which a sufficient quantity of mercury d is placed for amalgamatin g purposes, if desired.

The inlet to the concentrating-tank abovementioned consists of a pipe H of suitable diameter, which extends through the block and enters the tank through the apex of the cone forming the lower half of said tank and projects centrallywithin the chamberE above the mercury-groove just mentioned. This pipe has a connecting-pipe disposed at right other suitable material.

angles thereto and provided with a stop-cock (Z,which serves as an auxiliary outlet for convenient purposes, which will be hereinafter described.

The outlet for the tank consists of four pipes I, all of which are identical in construction and operation and similarly secured to the cap F around the upper part of the stem a, forming four outlets, which number may, however, be varied as desired, as one pipe if made of sufficient size and swiveled may answer as well my object; but a series of outlet-pipes is preferred.

Mounted upon the framework J and sur rounding the concentrating-tank A is a set tling-tank K, which may be made of wood or This tank K has its bottom a secured water-tight to the concentrating-tank A above the manhole c of the latter by means of an angular bracket 6, properly bolted or otherwise secured to the bottom 6 and the concentrating-tank A, thus providing a firm water-tight fastening.

A perforated diaphragm L, composed of any suitable material, is preferably supported upon a circular metallic strip 6, placed and bolted between the flanges ff, formed at the mitering edges of the cones and upon a bracket f, secured directly opposite to the wall of the settling-tank above the bottom 6. This perforated diaphragm L (particularly shown in Fig. 4) practically divides the settling-tank K into two horizontal sectionsthe lower section M and the upper section N. The lower section M is intercepted within its central portion by the concentrating-tank, as mentioned above and illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, and is provided with an outletpipe f", secured, preferably, to the bottom 6, which may be slightly inclined toward its outlet, if desired. The upper section N is divided into four vertical compartments, as shown in Fig. 2, all of which are made water-tight in relation to each other and which are connected, respectively, to the outlets I of the concentrating-tank by means of pipes g and connecting-pipes g, the latter being also adapted to be connected to other means for various purposes, if desired. The pipes g and g are identical in construction and operate in like manner and are provided with suitable fittings and stop-cocks h, h, and h for the purpose of facilitating and controlling their operation. The outlet-pipef of section M of the settling-tank is provided with stop-cock f and it may be connected to a precipitatingbox. (Not shown.)

It will be noted that the settling-tank K, constructed and secured to the concentratingtank A in the manner above described, will form substantial braces for the conoentratin gtank. However, aside from this purpose the same could be made in one or more independent settling-tanks placed at a suitable distance from the concentrating-tank, if desired, and connect the same alternately to the outlet of the concentrating-tank, as intimated in the preceding description.

WVithin each compartment of the settlingtank and immediately upon the perforated diaphragm L is placed a filter 2', made of suitable fabric and held in position so that it can be easily removed when desired. The compartments are provided with suitable manholes 2", secured hermetically in the wall of the settling-tank immediately above the filter for cleaning purposes when necessary.

Sufficiently elevated above the concentrating-tank A and conveniently mounted upon the framework 0 is a reservoir P, made, preferably, of wood and which has its bottom slightly inclined, preferably toward the center, and connected to a vertical outlet-pipe This pipe j is connected to the vertical inletpipe H of the concentrating-tank by means of a horizontal connecting-pipej and the usual fittings, thus forming a direct conduit from the reservoir just mentioned to the concentrating-tank. The vertical outlet-pipe j is provided with suitable stop-cocks 7c and k,

placed along the pipe formore convenient purposes, while the horizontal connecting pipe j has only the stopcock 7c.

Mounted upon the floor B and placed parallel within convenient reach are two auxiliary metallic cylinders Q and R. The cylinder Q contains a specified solution which is used for extracting metallic substances from ores, while the cylinder R contains compressed air. Their object will be more fully described hereinafter. The cylinder Q'is provided at its top with an inlet-pipe Z, having a stop-cock Z, while the outlet-pipe Z is se-' cured at its bottom and connected to the horizontal connecting-pipe] of the reservoir P, previously mentioned, by means of a horizontal connecting-pipe m, provided with suitable fittings and a stop-cock m. The cylinder R is provided'also at its top with an inlet-pipe 11, having a stop-cock 11, while the outlet-pipe n, provided with a stop-cock o, is secured at its bottom and connected to the vertical inletpipe H of the concentrating-tank by means of horizontal connecting-pipe o, whichis provided with suitable fittings and a stop-cook 0". Both the inlet-pipes Z and n of the two metallic cylinders Q and R are connected together by means of a horizontal connectingpipe 1), provided with suitable fittings and a stop-cock p, and are adapted to be attached to apump or other mechanical appliance for the purpose of charging the same when necessary. Both metallic cylinders are provided with proper gages q and q for the purpose of registering the pressure within, and cylinder Q has in addition a liquidgage r, all of which are suitably secured and placed upon each cylinder, respectively.

Upon the inlet-pipe H and the horizontal pipe m are suitably placed two injectornozzless and s, which are identical and operate in the same manner. These nozzles may be constructed as shown, Fig. 3, which illustrates the horizontal one in connection with the pipes j and j. An ordinary socketcoupling S is provided with a nozzle composed of a cylindrical body having a tapering cone-shaped projection. The cylindrical body of the nozzle is provided with an exterior screw-thread fitting the interior screwthread of the coupling. This nozzle has a central cone-shaped hole extending through out the structure and forming a contracted mouth at the top of the nozzle. The tapering exterior portion of the nozzle allows sufficient room within the coupling for the con nection of the screw-threaded ends 25 and t of the sections of the pipes j and m. This construction is very simple and inexpensive and answers very well my purpose. However, any other kind of injector-nozzle may be used, if desired.

Having thus set forth the construction and arrangement of the various'parts forming my invention, I shall now proceed to describe its operation. WVhen the reservoir P is full of tailings or other matters containing metallic substances to be separated, which may have been brought in by any convenient method and mixed with a sufficient quantity of liquid or solution prepared for that purpose, I then turn on the stop-cocks 7c and lo and 7t", thus allowing the contents of the reservoir to pass out freely, according, however, to its specific gravity, through the vertical outlet-pipe j, horizontal connecting-pipe], and vertical inlet-pipe H, into the chamber E ,of the concentrating-tank. lVhile the tailings run through the pipes just mentioned and reach the chamber E the stop-cocks 0 and 0" of the horizontal pipe 0 and vertical pipe n are turned on, thus allowing the compressed air within the metallic cylinder R to force its way through the jet-nozzle s, secured to the vertical inletpipe 11 below the connecting-pipe j, and pass out into chamber E with sufficient energy to create ebullition therein, which proceeds in the same manner throughout the tank. Its velocity may be controlled by the movements of the various connecting stop-cocks, which serve in this case as a regulator. Instead of compressed air placed in the metallic cylinder R, as mentioned, I may use steam or gases, if found preferable. This,however,can be determined bythe nature of the tailings or the metal contained therein to be extracted As soon as the tailings reach the chamber Etheir course is temporarily intercepted by the valve D,which stands centrally above and opposite the inlet, as mentioned heretofore, and causes the current entering the tank to spread out and curl outwardly therein and finally to force its way through the narrow space left open for that purpose between the inner wall of the concentrating-tank and the outer circumference of the valve to the upper part of the concentrating-tank. While the tailings thus pass out through the chamber the mercury which lies at its bottom amalgamates all the free metal which may drop upon it, and the remainder passes out in the manner above described. The concentrating-tank being outwardly bulged midway its length and the top face of the valve D being concave causes the currents passing through the narrow space to curl upwardly and outwardly, creat ing thereby constant agitation throughout the tank without the use of blades or other mechanical devices,which agitation,however, decreases in velocity as the area enlarges and the tailings rise toward the outlet. It will be observed that by this operation the tailings are constantly agitated, thus bringing the solution always in contact with all metallic substances which may be contained therein and causing the smallest particles to dissolve, while the heaviest particles centralize around the valve-stem a upon the concave face of the valve D and form gradually apyramid and as the accumulation goes on drop around the valve into the chamber below, where they concentrate. Following this operation the solution passes out as it rises within the tank through one of the outletpipes I and its connections into the connected compartment of the settling-tank, carrying at the same time all the lightest metallic particles which have been dissolved and also the refuse, and drop upon the filtering-cloth, where the solution passes out clarified through the perforated diaphragm into the lower section M and finally out through the outletpipe f into the precipitating-box, as previously mentioned, while the refuse settles upon the filtering-cloth,where they are washed out through the respective manholes of the compartments. All of the compartments may be connected to the outlet and operated at the same time; but it is preferable that they should be alternately connected in order to allow the refuse to settle and clean up each compartment while the operation goes on.

WVhile operating my invention, if it should be found that an additional or stronger solution than the one mixed with the tailings in the first instance is necessary in this case the stop-cock m of the connecting-pipe m, secured to the outlet of the metallic cylinder Q, may be turned on, thus allowing a suffi cient quantityof the solution contained therein to pass out. If desired, the velocity of the solution can be increased by turning on the stopcock p of the connecting-pipep, secured the inlets of the cylinders, thus allowing the compressed air within the cylinder R to force out the solution through the injector .9, secured to the connecting-pipe m.

From the above description it is clearly apparent that all the connections made with the inlet II of the concentrating-tank could be similarly added to the stem a of the valve D at its extreme upper end, as intimated while describing this part of my invention, and operated in the same manner. This arrangement will be found very desirable, particularly for cleaning or removing the concentrated metals in chamber E, which can be easily accomplished by turning off the stopcock k and and turning on the proper stop-cocks provided for that purpose at the upper end of the stem to and closing chamber E by lowering'the valve D, thus allow ing the operation within the concentratingtank to go on above the valve while the contents of the chamber below is being removed. As soon as the inlet is shut off and the chamber E closed I turn on the stop-cock 01, secured to the pipe connected with the inletpipe H, as previously described, thus allowing the fluid matter to run out from the chamber E, while the metallic substances may be removed through the manhole c. The upper part of the concentrating-tank above the valve may be cleaned or its contents removed in the same manner and through the same channel, the valve D being open for this purpose, or, if desired, the fluid matters may be siphoned out through the outlet I or by removing the cap F and the concentrates may be taken from the concave face of the valve D through the manhole o. By this arrangement the entire concentrating-tank may be cleaned alternately either below or above the valve and all the concentrated metallic substances removed without interfering with the operation.

With an apparatus constructed and arranged as above described it will be readily seen that tailings containing only free metals can be treated in the manner described with substantially the same results, except in this case clearwater may be substituted for the solution, as heretofore mentioned, and the settling-tank D may form a reservoir for the refuse, or the pipes g may be connected to a more convenient outlet, if desired.

,I am aware that numerous changes could be made in the construction of minor details without altering or departing from the scope of my invention. s

- I claim as my invention 1. An apparatus for separating metals from ores comprising a concentrating-tank provided with an inlet and an outlet, and a valve disposed transversely within said tank and operating when closed to separate the lower portion of said tank from the upper portion thereof, whereby either of the separated parts of the tank may be cleaned out while the operation is continued within the other part.

2. In an apparatus for separating metals from ores, the combination of a cone-shaped said chamber consisting of a convexo-concave.

valve provided with a stem secured within said tank, and means for controlling its movements.

4. A concentrating-tank provided with a valve adapted when closed for separating the upper part thereof from the lower part and when open to form a spreader, each part of said tank being provided respectively with independent inlets and outlets.

5. An apparatus for extracting metals from ores, having a concentrating-tank provided with an inlet and an outlet, a valve disposed within said tank and forming a chamber therein, a hollow stem secured centrally to said valve and adapted to form an inlet within said tank.

6. An apparatus for extracting metals from ores, consisting of a cone-shaped concentrating tank provided with an inlet and outlet, means for closing said inlet consisting of an adjustable valve disposed within said tank andhaving a hollow stem projecting at its upper end above said tank and adapted to form an inlet at its lower end.

7. In an apparatus for extracting metals from ores the combination of a concentratingtank consisting of an air-tight compartment having a cone shaped top and an invertedcone-shaped bottom and provided with an inlet at its bottom and an outlet at its top, and

means for distributing the inflowing current of ore.

8. An apparatus for extracting metals from ores comprising a concentrating tank provided with an inlet, a settling-tank disposed around the concentrating-tank and provided with a plurality of compartments, said concentrating-tank having a plurality of outlets connected with said compartments respectively.

9. An apparatus for extracting metals from ores consisting of a concentrating-tank provided with an inlet and an outlet, and an orcreservoir connected to said inlet, in combination with a settling-tank having an upper section composed of a plurality of compartments connected to said outlet, and a lower section adapted tobe connected to aprecipitating-box.

10. In an apparatus for extracting metals from ores,the combination of a concentratingtank having an inlet, an ore-reservoir connected to said inlet, and a pressure-cylinder connected to said inlet and provided with an injector consisting of a cone adjusted within a suitable socket-coupling and connected to said inlet.

tank disposed around the concentratin g-tank,

a perforated diaphragm placed between the concentrating and settling tanks and supported upon said intermediate strip, and a suitable bracket bolted to the settling-tank and adapted to form two horizontal sections within the settling-tank.

In testimony whereof I have aliixcd my signature, in presence of two witnesses, this 8th day of June, A. D. 1901.

EDMUND L. VANDER NAILLEN.

In presence of- O. S. TILToN, J. CORINSON. 

